A Terrific Blend of Myth, Romance, and Supernatural Shenanigans
As Diwali lights flicker across the nation, Bollywood’s Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) invites us into its latest enchanted chapter with Thamma. Releasing tomorrow on October 21, 2025, this romantic horror-comedy promises a fresh spin on vampires, folklore, and forbidden love. Directed by Aditya Sarpotdar (who helmed the delightful Munjya), Thamma stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Paresh Rawal. With early screenings sparking debates online, we dive into whether this Diwali treat is a blockbuster bite or a fangless flop.
📌 Movie Biodata
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎞 Title | Thamma |
| 🧭 Universe | Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) |
| 🗓 Release Date | October 21, 2025 |
| 🎥 Director | Aditya Sarpotdar |
| ✍️ Writers | Niren Bhatt, Suresh Mathew, Arun Fulara |
| 🧑🤝🧑 Cast | Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Paresh Rawal |
| 🏷 Genre | Romantic Horror Comedy |
| 🏡 Production House | Maddock Films |
| 💰 Day 1 Advance Booking | ₹5+ Crore |
| ⭐ Early Rating | 3.5/5 (Critics’ Average) |
🩸 The Plot: Star-Crossed Lovers & Vampire Legends
Set against misty Nilgiri hills and neon-lit graveyards, Thamma blends Indian vampire folklore (Betals), modern romance, and quirky humor.
Ayushmann plays Alok, an ordinary man pulled into a world of forbidden bloodlines after meeting Rashmika’s mysterious character — a descendant of mythical beings.
The two defy prophecies, family feuds, and supernatural curses. Their story expands MHCU lore (first teased in Stree 2), turning vampires into misunderstood anti-heroes instead of monsters. Expect:
- 💥 Graveyard chases
- 🧓 Eccentric elders
- 🔮 A prophecy that may unite or doom their love

🧑🎤 Performances: Ensemble That Bites
- Ayushmann Khurrana shines with his effortless comic timing and emotional range.
- Rashmika Mandanna brings heart to the story, her chemistry with Ayushmann glowing on-screen.
- Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays Yakshasan, a delightfully unpredictable antagonist.
- Paresh Rawal delivers laugh-out-loud punchlines as the grumpy patriarch.
Supporting cameos (including a surprise action sequence) give the film the feel of a haunted family reunion.
🎨 Direction & Technical Magic
Director Aditya Sarpotdar expands on the visual language he crafted in Munjya:
- 🌲 Visuals: Ooty forests & Mumbai sets
- 🧙♂️ VFX: Modern yet mythic vampires
- ✍️ Script: Witty, sharp, occasionally a bit slow in the second half
Cinematography enhances the supernatural allure, while music by Sachin–Jigar keeps the pulse alive with standout tracks like “Tum Mere Na Huye”, “Poison Baby”, and “Dilbar Ki Aankhon Ka”.
📝 The Good, The Meh & The Buzz
| ✅ The Good | ⚠️ The Meh |
|---|---|
| Unique vampire-folklore fusion | Slight pacing issues mid-way |
| Hilarious + scary in the right balance | Some jokes may miss if unfamiliar with MHCU |
| Great cast chemistry | Rashmika’s arc could’ve been deeper |
| Standout music and VFX | — |
Early Buzz:
- ⭐ Taran Adarsh: “TERRIFIC” (4/5)
- 💰 Advance bookings already cross ₹5 crore
- 💬 Mixed fan reactions — strong praise for Ayushmann, divided views on climax
🧛 Final Verdict: A Diwali Bite Worth Taking
Thamma is not just another horror-comedy — it’s a bold, folklore-rich, romantic romp with fangs. It may not be perfect, but it’s fun, fresh, and fearless.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✰ (3.5/5)
🪔 Watch it for Ayushmann’s charm, the quirky universe, and an unexpected finale.
📅 In Theaters: October 21, 2025
🎟 Book your tickets now & join the vampire vogue.
